Maja Göpel is a qualified political economist and sustainability scientist transforming the future of society through development solutions and collective policy. Currently based as the Research Director of The New Institute Think Tank, Maja is backed by more than 25 years of working in researched-based sustainability roles and is hailed as a thought leader in the field thanks to her innovative approach to creating desirable futures for all. An accomplished speaker, Maja has supported governments, organisations and businesses in becoming part of the change, by promoting positive actions for groups and individuals in the journey to sustainability.
Since 2017, Maja has played an integral role in the success of the independent German Advisory Council on Global Change as the Secretary-General. Responsible for analysing the current international environmental issues and developing reports into potential solutions, Maja is credited with identifying research gaps and prior warnings. Prior to her role on the council, Maja spent six years as the Director of Future Justice at the World Future Council where she introduced the Future Policy Award and worked as a campaign manager to develop the ‘Future Justice’ programme with the EU and UN. Both roles have seen Maja make incredible contributions to futureproofing society’s success with environmental consciousness at the forefront.
Having had a passion for society’s interests from an early age, Maja pursued further education in political economy, after realising politics was often the hurdle faced when building a positive future for all. Since gaining a doctorate in Global Political Economy, Maja has gone on to share her insights with the next generation as a Lecturer at the University of Hamburg, and Leuphana University. She is the author of The Great Mindshift, a guide to the past and the path ahead that explores system transformation research. Maja is also the Co-Founder of Scientists for Future, committed to investing in the next generation.
A stand-out expert in her field, Maja has been awarded the Adam Smith Prize for market-based environmental policy and the prestigious Environmental & Sustainability Prize of the Federal German Working Group. Since 2021, Maja has acted as the Research Director for The New Institute, a think tank that provides a platform for change, and most recently, she was honoured with the Erich Fromm Prize for her work. As an award-winning sustainability scientist, Maja is well equipped to advise corporate audiences as a keynote speaker on the topic of environmental, social and corporate governance, offering future-proofed strategies.
A true pioneer in the realms of political economics and sustainability, Maja is an expert at predicting future trends, making Champions Speakers take pride in being an official speaker agent for Maja Göpel. In recognition of this, Maja Göpel was recently selected as one of the 15 Most Popular Future Trends Keynote Speakers to Hire - a testament to her undeniable expertise.
Social Media
Books
Rethinking Our World: An Invitation to Rescue Our Future
Reviews
Maja Göpel received a 5 star rating across 10 events in 2023
Agent Recommendation
"Maja Göpel, a distinguished political economist and sustainability scientist, is renowned for her transformative approach to shaping a sustainable future. With over 25 years of experience, her work at The New Institute and as a celebrated speaker has been pivotal in driving positive, sustainable change in policy and practice. Her innovative strategies and impactful research, particularly in market-based environmental policy, make her an invaluable asset in steering society towards a more sustainable, equitable future."
Maja Göpel's official speaking topics are listed below:
- Which Prosperous Future? Confronting Narratives of Growth
- Why Innovation Beyond NOW Has to be Systematic
- Sustainability Without Reparation
- The Power of System Thinking in Shaping a Sustainable World
- 2023 - Author of "Rethinking Our World: An Invitation to Rescue Our Future
- 2022 - Nominated by the Alliance 90/The Greens as the delegate to the Federal Convention for the purpose of electing the President of Germany
- 2021 - Ranked as one of the 100 Most Influential German Economists by The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
- 2021 - Awarded the Erich Fromm Prize, the Theodor Heuss Prize, the Science Communication Medal of the Max Planck Society & the WeQ Award
- 2021 - Visiting Professor at the College of Europe in Bruges
- 2020 - Research Director for the New Institute Think Tank
- 2019 - Winner of the Environmental & Sustainability Prize of the Federal German Working Group & the Adam Smith Prize
- 2019 - Appointed as an Honorary Professor at Leuphana University of Lüneburg
- 2017 - Secretary General of the German Advisory Council on Global Change
- 2006 - Director of Future Justice for the World Future Council
- Member of the Club of Rome, the World Future Council & the Balaton Group
- Former Member of the Bioeconomy Council of the German Federal Government
How to hire Maja Göpel
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Maja Göpel for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do NOT accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
